Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has announced they have agreed on a deal to sign VfB Stuttgart defender, Benjamin Pavard, in the summer for a reported fee of £31.4 million.

The French international, who was part of France’s World Cup-winning squad last year, has signed a five-year contract.

The 22-year-old moved to Germany in 2016 after coming through the Lille academy, making 24 appearances for the first team.

Alongside confirming the signing of Pavard, Salihamidzic also confirmed the club have ‘a great interest’ in Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.

“In my opinion, he’s a player who would fit in well at our club. He’s got unbelievable qualities. He’s good at dribbling and has pace. In my opinion, he’s a player we would definitely like to have. Let’s see what happens.”

Porto star being monitored by Toffees

Porto star Yacine Brahimi has emerged as a transfer target for Premiership side, Everton. The Mirror are reporting that Everton sent a scout to watch Brahimi during Porto’s 3-1 victory against Nacional, with the forward scoring twice.

Everton could wait until the end of the season to make a move, however, when the Algerian internationals contract runs out.

Born in Paris, Brahimi started his career with Rennes, making a move to Spanish side, Granada in 2013 before ending up at Porto for €5 million in 2015.

United desperate for defender

Manchester United seem to have been linked with every defender in Europe, and now Napoli centre back Kalidou Koulibaly has emerged as their top target.

United are hoping to sign the Senegalese international this month following Napoli’s group stage exit in the Champions League, but it is understood that the Serie A side is reluctant to let their prized asset leave midway through the season.

ESPN FC is reporting that United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also watching three other players, should they fail to sign Koulibaly.

Milan Skriniar and Alessio Romangoli, from Inter and AC Milan respectively, are on the shortlist along with Leicester and England star Harry Maguire.

Chelsea step up bid for striker

Mauro Icardi (Image: Getty Images)

With a move for Gonzalo Higuain looking like it has stalled, Chelsea has turned their attention to another Argentine striker in Mauro Icardi.

Icardi is currently playing in Italy with Inter Milan but is said to be unhappy following a recent fine for turning up to training late.

Chelsea have become increasingly desperate to strengthen their squad, and owner Roman Abramovich has given Maurizio Sarri the green light to overhaul his squad.

The Blues are currently 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool with 17 games to play, and have scored the fewest goals out of the top six teams.

Alongside Icardi and Higuain, the Londoners have also been linked with Bournemouth and England striker, Callum Wilson.

Wilson’s stock has risen in recent years, and he recently scored on his England debut against the USA, becoming the first Bournemouth player to score for England.

Belgian winger off to the Emirates?

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has made it no secret that he would like to bring in a new winger during the January transfer window, and rumours are circulating that he has found his man.

Currently playing in the Chinese Super League for Dalian Yifang, Yannick Carrasco has been heavily linked to the North London side.

The Belgian international joined Dalian in February last year from Atletico Madrid, but is keen to end his stint in China and return to the top of European football.

Carrasco will be expected to take a pay cut should he move to England.